Finance Development Program

Job Description

The Company:

Cognex is the global leader in the exciting and growing field of machine vision.  With more than $500 million of cash and investments and no debt, we are a financially strong international company with a culture that maintains the fast paced, creative environment of a startup.  Our employees, proudly called “Cognoids,” take their work seriously, but don't take themselves seriously.   Our Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast culture recognizes our employees for their innovation, perseverance, and hard work in a fun, rewarding, and quirky environment.  

The Team:

Our Finance organization is responsible for financial planning and reporting, accounting, sales planning and operations, demand planning, as well as ensuring processes meet the strategic needs of our business.  Cognex is a global, publicly traded manufacturer and marketer of advanced integrated technology products whose 2024 annual revenue exceeded $900 million.  We have an excellent team with members who have gained diversified experience during their tenure in the company. 

The Role:

Cognex is looking for motivated undergraduates to join our Finance Development Program (FDP) and begin their career as a Cognoid.  The program consists of four six-month rotations in various areas in Finance.  The rotations will incorporate planning, analysis, reporting, accounting, and other ad hoc projects.  Management will provide career development planning, mentoring, networking opportunities, and detailed performance feedback.  

Open to Undergraduate Seniors graduating in May 2027 (Program start date: June 2027)

Example Responsibilities:

• Analyze booking, revenue, and margin trends 
• Plan and analyze department expenses 
• Provide data analytics utilizing SAP and Business Intelligence tools 
• Prepare monthly/quarterly reports for senior management package 
• Propose and implement process improvements 
• Provide financial support for ad hoc business unit projects 
• Accounting and SOX exposure 
• Investor Relations exposure 
• Cross functional exposure 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Eager to Work hard, Play hard, Move fast! 
• Enthusiasm for learning new financial skills, business, and product knowledge 
• A team player with the ability to work independently 
• Self-starter who demonstrates confidence working cross functionally 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must 

Minimum education and work experience required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in either Finance, Accounting, or other quantitative field is required 
• 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA 
• Internship experience is a plus 
• Extra-curricular involvement 

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is 71,000 USD - 76,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a sales incentive plan.

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching; employer-paid disability, family leave, life insurance, paid time off (including holidays), optional voluntary benefits, and recognition and wellness programs.

Additional Job Description

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.